[Abstract]

In this talk, I explore how AI can negatively impact human engagement in creative practices and learning. The current trajectory of AI development prioritizes efficiency, effectiveness, and convenience. While these goals are beneficial in many contexts, they can conflict with the nonlinear and seemingly inefficient nature of engagement that characterizes creative practice and learning. Drawing on examples from writing education and other relevant projects, I suggest a shift in perspective: rather than using AI solely to optimize tasks, we should design it to unlock new expressive dimensions and actively foster learning and creative participation.

[Biography]

Sang Won Lee is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Virginia Tech and a Visiting Researcher at NAVER AI Lab. His research lies at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), computer-mediated empathy, and creative computing. He investigates how technologies, such as conversational agents, VR, and personal informatics, can foster empathy, support self-reflection, and promote inclusive collaboration. His work often blends empirical studies with the design and evaluation of interactive systems. He has been an active author at top-tier human-computer interaction venues, including CHI, CSCW, and C&C, and his work has been recognized with multiple best paper awards at venues such as ACM CHI and Creativity & Cognition.